Cruise ferry Cruise Roma Grimaldi Lines
Cruise ferry Cruise Roma
âš“ The Cruise Roma is one of the largest and best-equipped passenger ferries working the western Mediterranean, with room for more than 3,000 passengers and over 700 vehicles. Operated by Grimaldi Lines, she links Barcelona with Civitavecchia (the port of Rome) on an overnight crossing of roughly 20 hours — one of the most complete sailings in the Mediterranean for travellers who want to combine the journey with rest, good food and entertainment on board. She also works the Barcelona–Livorno route and connects with other Italian ports depending on the season.
The Cruise Roma was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone (Italy) and delivered to Grimaldi Lines in 2008. Together with her sister ship, the Cruise Barcelona, she forms the highest-capacity pair of ferries in the Grimaldi fleet in the Mediterranean. Both ships were designed to offer far more than simple transport: swimming pools, restaurants, a nightclub, a casino, a spa and cabins in many categories turn the crossing into an experience in its own right.
At 224 metres long and as tall as a ten-storey building, the Cruise Roma is a cruise-class ferry — hence the name — best known for the range of leisure and dining on board, on a par with a small Mediterranean cruise ship.
History and background of the ship
The Cruise Roma (IMO 9351476) is the direct sister ship of the Cruise Barcelona, built at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia and delivered in 2008. Since her maiden voyage she has worked without interruption, and exclusively for Grimaldi, the celebrated international route that connects the port of Barcelona with Porto Torres (Sardinia) and Civitavecchia (Rome) daily, working in perfect tandem with the Cruise Barcelona.
In early 2019 she underwent a spectacular jumboisation at the Palermo shipyards: a 29-metre midsection was inserted, taking her length to 254 metres. The same refit fitted state-of-the-art lithium mega-batteries to power the onboard services in port with the engines shut down, achieving zero emissions alongside. At more than 63,000 GT, she is one of the largest cruise ferries in the Mediterranean.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and ro-ro freight ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 224 m |
| Beam | 30.4 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 50,000 GT (approx.) |
| Service speed | 29 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 3,000 people (approx.) |
| Vehicle capacity | 700 vehicles (approx.) |
| Total decks | 10 passenger decks |
| Cabins | more than 600 |
| Propulsion | Diesel · 4 Wärtsilä engines |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Monfalcone (Italy) |
| Year built | 2008 |
| IMO number | 9349863 |
| Call sign | 9HA3966 |
| Flag | Malta |
| Sister ship | Cruise Barcelona |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Livorno (Tuscany) | ~19 h | Varies by season |
| Livorno (Tuscany) → Barcelona | ~19 h | Varies by season |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Civitavecchia: getting to Rome and what to bear in mind
The Cruise Roma uses the port of Civitavecchia, about 70 km north-west of Rome (roughly an hour by train, or an hour and a quarter by car). It is the Italian capital's main passenger port and has a direct link to Civitavecchia railway station, from which regional and high-speed trains run frequently to Roma Termini.
If you are travelling by car, the port is clearly signposted from the A12 motorway. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before departure with a vehicle, and 1 hour if you are travelling as a foot passenger. In high season (July and August) the vehicle boarding queues are usually long, so it is worth allowing more time.
From Barcelona, the ferry normally leaves from the Moll de Sant Bertomeu in the port of Barcelona, which you can reach by metro (line L4, Barceloneta stop) or taxi. The port of Barcelona runs free shuttle buses between terminals.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A reclining seat on the Cruise Roma (the cheapest option without a cabin) starts at around €59 per person one way in low season. Inside cabins for two start from about €120 per person in mid season. In July and August prices can rise well above those figures, so it is worth booking as far ahead as you can.
Discounts and special conditions available:
- Children (4-12 years): a substantial discount on the adult fare. Under-4s travel free without taking a place (no cabin ticket of their own).
- Groups: Grimaldi Lines offers special fares for groups of more than 10 people, both for passengers and for vehicles. Enquire with the operator directly.
- Early booking offers: booking more than 60 days ahead can save you up to 30% on the standard fare.
- Special driver fare: when you book passage for a vehicle, the driver usually qualifies for preferential terms on the passenger fare.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone, looking for the lowest price | Reclining seat (Deck Seat) |
| As a couple, after privacy and a proper rest | Two-berth inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Four-berth cabin, inside or with a window |
| Looking for sea views | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| After maximum comfort and space | Suite or cabin with balcony |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (subject to availability) |
| With reduced mobility | Accessible cabin for passengers with reduced mobility |
Cruise ferry Cruise Roma · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Deck Seat
The cheapest option on the Cruise Roma. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every public area of the ship: restaurants, pools, open deck and the entertainment area. Ideal for travellers on a tight budget who want to make the most of the ship's facilities.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every public area of the ship
✓ Access to the pools and open deck
✓ The most affordable option available
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, available with two, three or four berths. It has single beds or bunks, a private bathroom and air conditioning. The most popular choice for travellers who want privacy and a guaranteed night's sleep on the overnight crossing.
✓ Private cabin with its own key
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ TV and power socket
✓ Available with two, three or four berths
Outside cabin · With window
A private cabin with a porthole or an outside window. It brings natural light and Mediterranean views, and comes with two or four berths. Recommended if you want to enjoy the view during the day without giving up privacy or comfort.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ TV and power socket
✓ Natural light on daytime sailings
Superior cabin · Extra comfort
Larger cabins on the ship's upper decks, with better views and smarter finishes. They come with a double bed or single beds, a full bathroom and more living space. The best value if you want a step up without going all the way to a suite.
✓ More living space
✓ Double bed available
✓ Full bathroom with bath or shower
✓ TV and minibar
✓ Located on the upper decks
Suite · Maximum comfort
The most exclusive accommodation on the Cruise Roma. A separate sitting room, a bedroom with a double bed, a luxurious full bathroom and sweeping sea views. Extra services and priority attention are included. Designed for travellers who want to enjoy the crossing at the highest level of comfort.
✓ Separate sitting room and bedroom
✓ Extra-large double bed
✓ Full luxury bathroom
✓ Minibar, TV and quality toiletries
✓ Priority attention throughout the crossing
Accessible cabin · Reduced mobility
Cabins designed specifically for passengers with reduced mobility. Wider doors, an adapted bathroom with grab rails and a step-free shower, room to manoeuvre a wheelchair and a handy location close to the lifts. Numbers are limited, so we recommend booking ahead.
✓ Doors and spaces adapted for wheelchairs
✓ Bathroom with grab rails and a step-free shower
✓ Located close to the lifts
✓ Limited availability — book ahead
Cruise ferry Cruise Roma · On-board services
Food on board: several places to eat
The Cruise Roma stands out for the breadth of her dining, with several venues to suit different times of day and different budgets. The self-service restaurant is the busiest: spacious, serving Italian and Spanish Mediterranean cooking, and open for both lunch and dinner. There is also a café for breakfast and a bite to eat, a snack bar on deck and a night bar. The quality of the cooking on board is one of the things passengers rate most highly on the Cruise Roma.
Pools and outdoor leisure areas
One of the Cruise Roma's great advantages over conventional ferries is what she offers outdoors. There is an outdoor pool on deck, a sun-lounger area, a jacuzzi and generous terraces looking out over the Mediterranean. In fine weather the deck becomes one of the best-loved spaces on the crossing.
Spa, gym and wellbeing
The Cruise Roma has a spa and gym on board, including a sauna and a beauty treatment area. It is an unusual offering on a conventional ferry, and it turns the crossing into a chance to rest and look after yourself. Spa services may need to be booked in advance and are charged separately.
Evening entertainment: casino and nightclub
Because the overnight crossing is a long one, the Cruise Roma puts on a programme of entertainment that feels closer to a cruise than to a conventional ferry. There is a casino with machines and gaming tables (open in international waters), a nightclub, a cocktail bar with live music or performances, and a set of lounges in which to unwind. Nightlife on board is one of this ship's defining features.
Children's play area
Travelling with a dog on board the Cruise Roma
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cruise Roma is equipped to make travel straightforward for passengers with reduced mobility. She has lifts between decks, access ramps, adapted cabins with wider doors, an accessible bathroom with grab rails and a step-free shower, and assistance staff on board. We recommend setting out any special requirements when you book, so that an adapted cabin can be allocated and you get the best possible care while boarding and during the crossing.
Cruise Roma vs Cruise Barcelona: every difference
The Cruise Roma and the Cruise Barcelona are Grimaldi Lines' two sister ships on the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route. Their technical specifications are virtually identical, but it is worth knowing how they differ in service:
| Feature | Cruise Roma | Cruise Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Monfalcone | Fincantieri, Monfalcone |
| Year built | 2008 | 2008 |
| Length overall | 224 m | 224 m |
| Passenger capacity | ~3,000 | ~3,000 |
| Vehicle capacity | ~700 | ~700 |
| Usual port of departure | Barcelona | Civitavecchia |
| Role on the route | Provides the daily BCN→CIV sailing | Provides the daily CIV→BCN sailing |
| IMO number | 9349863 | 9349875 |
Frequently asked questions about the Cruise Roma
Which routes does the Cruise Roma ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Civitavecchia route (the port of Rome) for Grimaldi Lines, taking roughly 20 hours. Depending on the season she may also work the Barcelona–Livorno (Tuscany) route.
How long does the Cruise Roma take from Barcelona to Rome?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing (the port of Rome) takes about 20 hours. It is an overnight sailing, so you can sleep in a cabin on board and reach your destination rested in the morning.
Does the Cruise Roma carry cars?
Yes. She has a garage for roughly 700 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Cruise Roma offer?
She offers a reclining seat (the cheapest option), an inside cabin (two, three or four berths), an outside cabin with a window or porthole, a larger superior cabin on the upper decks, a luxury suite and an accessible cabin for passengers with reduced mobility.
Is there a pool on the Cruise Roma?
Yes. The Cruise Roma has an outdoor pool on deck, a jacuzzi and a sun-lounger area. In fine weather the open deck is one of the most enjoyable spaces on the crossing.
Are pets allowed on the Cruise Roma?
Yes. Pets can travel in the kennels provided or in a pet-friendly cabin, subject to availability. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and present a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a pet passport.
Is the Cruise Roma accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks, access ramps, adapted cabins with an accessible bathroom and grab rails, and assistance staff on board. We recommend setting out any special requirements when you book.
How much does it cost to travel on the Cruise Roma?
A reclining seat starts at around €59 per person one way in low season. Two-berth inside cabins start from €120 per person in mid season. In July and August prices are considerably higher, so it pays to book ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the Cruise Roma?
The Cruise Roma has Wi-Fi on board, although coverage on the open sea can be limited. The service may be partly or fully chargeable depending on your ticket type. Check the current conditions when you book.
Where does the Cruise Roma berth in Rome, and how do I get into the centre?
The Cruise Roma uses the port of Civitavecchia, some 70 km from Rome. Regional and high-speed trains run frequently to Roma Termini from Civitavecchia station, a few minutes' walk from the port. The train takes between 50 minutes and an hour and a quarter depending on the service.
How early should I get to the port to board?
With a car: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger, 1 hour is enough. In July and August, and especially with a vehicle, it is worth allowing more time.
Does the Cruise Roma have a casino and a nightclub?
Yes. She has a casino with slot machines and gaming tables (open in international waters only), a nightclub, a cocktail bar with music and evening entertainment. It is a leisure offering that makes the crossing an experience in itself.
What is the difference between the Cruise Roma and the Cruise Barcelona?
They are sister ships with virtually identical technical specifications. The difference is operational: the Cruise Roma normally sails from Barcelona and the Cruise Barcelona from Civitavecchia, taking it in turns so that the route has a daily departure in both directions.
Is the Cruise Roma a good choice for travellers with children?
Yes. The Cruise Roma is an excellent choice for families. She has a children's play area, a pool, wide open decks and plenty of leisure space, all of which make the 20-hour crossing much easier for younger passengers. Under-4s travel free without a ticket of their own.
